Illegal Block Costs Backup Qb Stiff Fine

Sage Rosenfels said he won't shy from blocking again, but a $12,500 fine shows he needs work on his technique.

The NFL fined Rosenfels that amount for an illegal block on New Orleans safety Mel Mitchell during the exhibition game Aug. 28.

The play occurred in the second quarter when an attempt at a reverse was fumbled. As wide receiver Sam Simmons recovered and scampered for a 2-yard gain, Rosenfels threw himself awkwardly at Mitchell.

Mitchell went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Rosenfels was penalized for an illegal block above the waist.

Rosenfels has appealed the fine. The Dolphins front office believes Mitchell may have torn his ACL on the Superdome turf before Rosenfels made contact. Mitchell disagrees and said he received an apology after the game from Dolphins safety and ex-Saints teammate Sammy Knight.

Rosenfels hopes to hear a ruling on his appeal in four to five weeks.

"I thought it was a freak play," Rosenfels said. "I don't want anyone to get hurt, and I'm not trying to hurt anybody. He's a heck of a player, and I hope he recovers from surgery and is an even better player in the future. But I don't feel totally at fault for the play."

Despite the fine, Rosenfels said he won't think twice to block if called upon.

"When you play football, you have to play at full speed and play to win," Rosenfels said. "I was trying to make a legal block. He turned at the last second when he was making a tackle and I ended up hitting his backside. Things like this happen. It's the nature of the contact sport we play."

Chambers nominated

Wide receiver Chris Chambers' one-handed touchdown grab Sunday is nominated for the NFL Play of the Week. Voting can be done at www.nfl.com/playoftheweek. ... The Dolphins signed tight end Josh Whitman to their developmental squad. Whitman has experience in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's offense, having played under Turner in San Diego.

Season ticket sales up

The Dolphins announced they have sold 59,066 season tickets at Pro Player Stadium, a 5.3 percent increase from last year's 56,115.

Staff Writer Sarah Talalay contributed to this report.

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